Blue Jackets: Dubinsky out six to eight weeks with fracture in face

With less than two minutes left in a blowout game Tuesday, center Brandon Dubinsky was grabbed by Edmonton wing Zack Kassian for a fight in a faceoff circle.

Both Dubinsky and the Blue Jackets lost that one.

Kassian’s heavy punches to Dubinsky’s face fractured an orbital bone underneath his left eye, and the Blue Jackets put the veteran center on injured reserve Wednesday.

The team said Dubinsky could miss six to eight weeks.

General manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement that Dubinsky’s injury did not affect the “function of his eye and long-term vision.”

Dubinsky did not comment but was seen walking in Nationwide Arena on Wednesday holding a baseball cap over his swollen left eye.

“He’s hurt and it’s certainly a loss, but it’s an opportunity for someone else,” coach John Tortorella said after practice.

“He was beginning to find his game, was helping with faceoffs. It’s unfortunate. We all know how Dubinsky plays. I feel bad for the guy, but we have to push on. We have to be ready to play (the New York Islanders on Thursday) night.”

Captain Nick Foligno said: “It’s tough, it sucks. He is a big part of our team. He is a big veteran presence and a leader who is hard to replace. Guys will have to step up and it may be — in some sick and twisted way — a good time for some guys to step up. Myself included.”

grichards@dispatch.com

@GeorgeRichards

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